Where is the Virginia Beach Care & Adoption Center (VBACAC) located? What are the hours of operation?
341 S. Birdneck Road
Virginia Beach, VA 23451
Hours of Operation-
Monday, Wednesday, & Friday- 11 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Tuesday- 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. Reclaims Only
Thursday- 12 p.m. - 7 p.m.
Saturday & Sunday- 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.
How can I view the animals that are up for adoption at the VBACAC? Are they viewable online?
Many animals can be viewed through our
Petfinder website. This information is updated weekly. To ensure you have the most current information on adoptable animals, we welcome you to visit the VBACAC in person
and/or call the shelter at 385-4444 (option 2) to inquire about the specific animal you are interested in.
Can I adopt a pet from the VBACAC?
Yes! Please do! VBACAC does
adopt pets that are not claimed by original owners.
May I turn my pet into the VBACAC to find it a new home?
VBACAC will take "surrendered owner animals". Animal owners are required to sign a "release of ownership". This is a service that is provided, however the animal owner is encouraged to think this decision through carefully. We do recommend exhausting all other reasonable possibilities (i.e., contacting the SPCA, behavior training) before surrendering an animal. There is no charge to the owner that turns their pet into the VBACAC.
Can I bring my sick pet to the VBACAC to be euthanized?
VBACAC does not provide a euthanasia service. This is the responsibility of the animal owner to bring his/her animal to a veterinarian.
May I trap stray cats or wild animals that come into my yard?
Yes, as long as you use a humane trap that does not injure the animal. The City provides traps to citizens for catching stray cats and wild "nuisance" animals such as raccoons, opossums, squirrels, etc. To obtain a trap, you must come to the Bureau of Animal Control and pick up the trap. There is no charge for using the trap, however, due to the cost of replacing lost traps, a $50 check only or money order is required as a security deposit. Please call in advance to make sure a trap is available at (757) 385-4444 Option #2. You will be given instructions for setting the trap, and we will pick up and remove of any animals that are caught in the trap. Your deposit is mailed back to you as soon as the trap is returned to Animal Control. If an animal is caught in a trap, immediately call for a pick up at (757) 385-4444 Option #1, place the trap out of direct sunlight (for those hot summer days) or cover the trap with a blanket (for those cold winter days), an animal control officer will pick up the trap and replace it with an empty trap.
As a matter of safety, animal control officers cannot go into attics, go under houses, climb ladders or disassemble any structures to remove animals. If you have a loose animal inside your home, that can be seen, an animal control officer will respond to your home as a matter of public safety. Stray, nuisance wildlife around the home, unless injured, cannot be removed by the officer unless trapped.
Some citizens purchase their own traps from local sources. We also service these traps at no cost to you, by picking up and removing any animals caught in these traps. Private traps will be picked up by animal control and returned to the owner as soon as possible, which may include the following day.
What should I do if my animal goes missing?
Come to the VBACAC or call the office at (757) 385-4444 Option #2. In most cases verbal descriptions including breed type are not reliable. Citizens looking for lost pets are strongly advised to visit the VBACAC and look, especially if it has been more than 24 hours.
The best way to ensure the safe return of your lost animal is to have a city license on the animal. In most cases, animals wearing tags can be returned to the owner rather than being impounded. If no one is home, the officer will leave a note on the door advising the animal was picked up. If the officer is unable to access the pet tag information immediately, and cannot leave a note, the owner will be notified by telephone as soon as the officer obtains the information. If the animal is wearing tags, the owner must be notified within 48 hours.
Please remember animals will sometimes lose their tags or have them removed by someone. Even if your animal leaves home wearing a collar and tags, there is always a chance the collar may not be on when the animal is picked up. Consider microchipping your animal.
You are welcome to check
Lost and Found Dogs Virginia on Facebook for dogs impounded at the Animal Care and Adoption Center that have not been reclaimed. Please note that this may not be all inclusive and owners of lost pets are encouraged to visit the center in person to verify if their pet has been impounded. Due to varying animal/breed descriptions, it is not possible for staff to verify, via phone, with 100% certainty if a specific pet is at the center. Staff will be happy to escort you throughout the shelter and assist you in searching for your pet on site.
Impounded animals are held for their owner for 10 days if they are wearing a collar when picked up, and for 5 days if they are not wearing a collar when picked up.